Obituaries: Murphy; Nichols – County 17

Dianna Murphy: 1958 – 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Dianna Loree Clark Murphy, age 66, of Gillette, Wyoming who left us on April 20, 2025, surrounded by love.

Dianna was born on August 22, 1958 in Sheridan, Wyoming to Glen and Esther (Clements) Clark. Dianna grew up surrounded by ranch life and animals, a setting that shaped much of her early childhood. As a little girl, she always felt she had plenty of friends—until three years later, when her mother gave birth to twin boys, Dean and Daryle. Dianna was thrilled to become a big sister and loved having two little brothers to care for.

When Dianna was almost 8, her family welcomed another sibling—her baby sister, Stephany. Dianna had a tender place in her heart for her littlest sister and enjoyed watching her grow. She began her education in a one-room schoolhouse, attending grades 1 through 8 alongside just 11 classmates.

When it came time for high school, Dianna enrolled at Campbell County High School. Though she didn’t particularly enjoy high school—largely due to her naturally shy nature—she quickly got involved in sports, which allowed her to spend more time in town and helped her come out of her shell. After graduating, Dianna attended community college in Torrington for a year.

At age 19, she returned home for the summer and began working at Murphy Drug. It was there that she met Tom Murphy Jr. A sweet romance began not long after Tom invited her to see a movie. Over time, their bond deepened, and along the way, Tom and Dianna became known as natural matchmakers—helping to bring together three other couples who all went on to marry before Tom and Dianna tied the knot themselves. Tom and Dianna were married on January 9, 1982—a frigid winter afternoon with temperatures dipping to 18 degrees below zero. Despite the cold, their wedding reception was nothing short of legendary. Held at the Holiday Inn, it was packed wall to wall with guests and well-wishers from all over the county, filling every space with laughter, music, and warmth. It felt more like a true celebration of love and connection than just a wedding. People came not only to honor the couple, but also to celebrate friendship, community, and joy.

Shortly after the wedding, Tom and Dianna moved to Evanston, where Tom worked at Murphy’s Sight and Sound Store and Dianna took a job with an oil field company. Life quickly changed when, nine months later, they welcomed their son, Thomas Clark (TC), who was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. With their small family, Tom and Dianna returned to Gillette in 1985. Not long after, they welcomed their daughter Alicia—born on another cold January morning. Raising two young children meant life stayed busy. TC and Alicia were active in sports and other activities from an early age, which meant Tom and Dianna spent years on the sidelines and in the stands, cheering them on through every season and sport.

Because TC and Alicia had such active lives and wide circles of friends, Dianna naturally became a second mother to many of the kids and teenagers who came through their home. Whether it was offering a ride, cheering from the stands, or just being a calm and kind presence, Dianna made young people feel safe, welcome, and cared for. When the family wasn’t at games or practices, they could often be found at Keyhole Lake—swimming, boating, and enjoying time together in the water and at the cabin. In 1994, Dianna began a new chapter in the medical field when she joined the office of Dr. Sara Hartsaw. Over the years, Sara became not only her boss but also one of her dearest friends—supportive and steadfast all the way through Dianna’s illness.

Dianna is survived by her husband of 43 years, Thomas Michael Murphy; her son, TC Murphy; her daughter, Alicia Murphy Sifuentes and husband, Lico Sifuentes; her grandchildren: Sawyer, Regan, Logan Murphy, and Kyler and Tori Sifuentes; her sister, Stephany Erb and husband, Rick Erb; brothers, Dean and Daryle Clark; and her mother- in-law, Nancy Murphy. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews: Guy Erb, Randee Larson, Kory Clark, and Ashley Clark. Dianna joins her parents, Glen and Esther Clark, and grandparents, Melvin and Ethel Clark, and Colleen and Donald Clements in peace.

We will gather to celebrate Dianna’s life on April 23, 2025 at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Gillette Wyoming at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Campbell County Oncology Center and/or St. John Paul II Catholic School in honor of Dianna’s generous and giving spirit.

Karen Ann Nichols: 1945 – 2025

Born in Gillette, Wyoming, to Reginald and Mildred Parnell, Karen spent her life caring for others. She worked as a registered nurse from 1968 until her retirement in 2004, remembered by many for her compassion and dedication.

After graduating from Campbell Count High School in 1964, Karen attended nursing school in South Dakota, graduating in 1967. Following her graduation, she lived in Wyoming, Arizona, and Washington, embracing and appreciating the unique beauty of each state. In 2018, Karen settled in Tacoma, Washington, where she found great joy spending time with her beloved grandchildren and ‘extended’ family.

Karen’s greatest joy was her family. She was a loving mother to Joe (Nick), Clint, and Stacy, and a proud grandmother to Riley, Joseph, and Nolan. She is also survived by her sisters, Leitha Anderson and Mary Jo Joslyn. She also found peace in visiting flower gardens, especially enjoying the springtime blooms at places like Point Defiance Park.

A celebration of her life will be held in Gillette, Wyoming, this July. Details will be shared with family and friends when available.

Karen will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, strength, and loving spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.